A serger and an overlocker are different names for the same machine. … A serger performs an overlocking stitch, which is really more like knitting than sewing. Overlocking, or serging, trims and binds seams so that the fabric can not unravel. It professionally finishes the insides of garments.
Is it worth getting an overlocker?
Overlockers are worth buying if you intend to make lots of clothing, sew with stretch fabrics and make professional-looking projects. Overlockers are not worth using for those who finish their seams with bindings or make home decors that don’t require overlocked seams.
What’s the difference between a serger and a coverstitch machine?
The coverstitch machine has only one looper to thread, while sergers possess two. Serger machines invariably feature two cutting knives which trim uneven fabric edges as you stitch, creating an even working area, while a coverstitch machine has none.
Can you overlock on a regular sewing machine?
Overlocking on your sewing machine
You can buy an overlocking foot here. Line your fabric edge up against the guide and select either an over-edge stitch or a wide zigzag stitch. … Most sewing machines have at least a couple of stitches designed to sew over the edges of fabric.
Can an overlocker do straight stitch?
It creates a strong seam for heavy weight fabrics such as denim and terrycloth. Overlockers that offer a 5-thread safety stitch eliminate the need to reinforce the seam with an additional straight stitch from a conventional sewing machine.
Why do I need an Overlock Machine?
If your sewing time is limited, an overlocker can help you whiz through your projects quickly and efficiently. … In particular, the overlocker is useful for knit and stretch fabrics, as it helps to guide and seam these fabrics that are often difficult to sew using a sewing machine.
Can you make clothes without an overlocker?
Long answer: No, you don’t need an overlocker, but it gives a more professional finish to many clothes. … An overlocker creates a stitch that trims and wraps the raw edges of your project and can sew a seam at the same time.
Can a serger replace a sewing machine?
Although some projects can be done 100 percent on a serger, a serger cannot replace a regular sewing machine. You will still need a regular machine for facings, zippers, topstitching, buttonholes, etc. A serger cannot do this job.
What does a coverstitch look like?
A coverstitch is a professional looking hem that looks like two rows of stitching on the top and a serger like stitch on the back. … A coverstitch can be sewn with two needles for a double stitched look or three needles for a triple needle finish.
Do I need a serger?
1. Why do I need a serger for garment sewing? First and foremost, a serger is the ideal way to create a clean edge on any seam. Not only does the cutting blade trim the fabric edge, but the upper and lower looper threads wrap around the fabric edge, securing or protecting the fabric edge.
Do sewing machines have Sergers?
Sergers are not sewing machines, but it is fair to say that they’re a type of specialty sewing machine. A serger sometimes called an overlocker, uses an overlock stitch that does not come on sewing machines.
Do Sergers have bobbins?
Instead of a bobbin, sergers use looper threads. The looper threads help to lock your needle thread in place. The most basic serger stitch is the overlock stitch, which is where the term “overlocker” originated.
Do you Backstitch on a serger?
Since you can’t backstitch on a serger, it’s important to finish each stitch to prevent the threads from unraveling. Instead of leaving them long or simply cutting them off, secure your serged seams using one of these simple, tidy finishes.